Event Date: October 13, 2022
Location: Tony’s
Event: Gala
No. of Attendees: 200
Money Raised: $500,000~
Beneficiary: AVDA
Chairperson: Paula & Steve Winter and Lisa & Eric Elder
Honorees: 228 Texas Lives Lost to Domestic Abuse
Photography: Daniel Ortiz
228 Texas Lives Lost to Domestic Abuse Were Honored at Annual AVDA Dinner
For more than forty-two years, AVDA (Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse) has been providing free advocacy, safety planning, legal representation, counseling for abusers and for those they abuse, and youth programming focusing on healthy relationships. Their major fundraising dinner has been “Honoring Texas Victims.” This year’s dinner did not disappoint. Over 200 enthusiastic supporters gathered at local high-brow eatery Tony’s and honored the 228 Texans who were lost to domestic violence in 2020, raising almost $500,000.
Tony’s dinner presentation left no stone unturned by serving guests their Gulf Red Snapper encased in a salt crust, along with braised short ribs, their signature Tuxedo Cake and Praline Cheesecake, all paired with fine wines.
Astoundz CEO Steve Winter, who chaired the event with his wife Paula and Lisa & Eric Elder, spoke during the meal and shared that 2,314 survivors of domestic abuse received low or no-cost representation with over $3 million awarded last year. AVDA CEO Maisha Colter told the audience that due to issues arising from COVID, requests for orders of protection have increased 130% and over 6,200 adult and child victims of domestic abuse were served. This year, the cases are not expected to slow down, so the efforts of this non-profit organization are a blessing to those in need during a difficult time.
A “lively” live auction segment followed which included a trip and four-night stay in Puerto Vallarta, a private suite for 22 at Minute Maid Park and a four-course meal by Tony’s Executive Chef Kate McLean. This, along with other items, brought in additional funds of $126,000 to add to the total monies raised. Congratulations to all involved for another great event celebrating a truly great cause!
Socially present (not previously mentioned): Chair Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman, Bob Bowman, Katherine Parsley, Mark Russell, Meredith Marshall, Marian Harper, Joey Fisher, Carla Diaz-Lewis, Don and Nancy Woo, Karen Freedman, Paula Harris, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, Council Member Letitia Plummer, District Attorney Kim Ogg, Constable Alan Rosen, and Rhonda Gerson
